This guide will be updated as necessary.
General:
- The water here ("Concho Water") sucks. Supposedly it's potable, but it tastes nasty, is hard, and destroys glass dishware (Electrosol with Jet Dry has combatted this fairly well for me). Be prepared to buy drinking water -- there are water vending machines all over town -- or install a water filtration system. Your Britta will not cut it. Prepare for dry hair.
The Locals:
- They don't call it "San Angelo." It's "SaNangelo."
- People are extremely friendly, and there's a small-town atmosphere from the days of yore (at least coming here from the metro DC area, where you would not advertise your kids' names and involvement in school activities in your front yard). For instance, you don't have to buy a gas can when you run out of gas; the station will loan you one. Strangers will not hesitate to start up a conversation, so don't be shy about asking questions.
- To prepare for the local dialect, watch "King of the Hill," and pay very close attention to Boomhauer. (Case in point was the roofer who I made repeat three times that he thought we might have a kee-oooo-in problem before I figured out he was saying "coon"). Not everyone speaks like that, but it'll completely throw you if you encounter it unprepared.
- Everyone is either related or knows each other, so careful what you say.
- See You Know You're from San Angelo When....
Housing:
- The rental market is pretty tight, and few rentals come with a fridge or washer/dryer.
- If you're looking for an apartment, check out Encino Park.
Eating:
Have you ever heard of Frito Pie? It's so popular around here that it's a regular on the school lunch menus, and a lady in line at the local Albertson's told me all about it (after mistaking my purchases for the ingredients for it). She was appalled that I didn't know what she was talking about. (And I was totally appalled about the thought of Frito Pie because to this day, Fritos remind me of the smell of my brother's shoes when we were kids. EW!!!) But I digress. Some restaurant recommendations follow.
- Mexican - Little Mexico, although Mejor Que Nada has an incredible Amaretto marguarita (This was recently renamed "Mejor," which means "Better" and makes no sense to me, so I'll always refer to it by its old name, which means "Better Than Nothing.")
- Steak - Twin Mountain Steak House (so I'm told)
- Italian - Johnny Carino's (a chain - trust me on this)
- Chinese - Bamboo Garden (across from Sunset Mall)
- Fancier - Peasant Village (Make sure to meet Chef Jason - a great guy - and ask him when he's going to give cooking lessons. Also, I highly recommend the pineapple Bavarian cream cake, but they don't make it regularly.)
- Pizza - Joe's is pretty good, but inconsistent. We usually just go with Papa John's.
- Coffee - Baker Street (The one on Knickerbocker has couches to hang out on; they sell pies and cake, too. I highly recommend The Nutty Irishman.)
- Frito Pie - I don't know of any restaurants that have Frito Pie on the menu, nor do I want to know.
Shopping:
- The greatest gift shop in town is Eggemeyers on N. Concho.
- San Angelo is not the best place to find stuff to buy for a baby. Maternity stores are non-existent (closest Motherhood store is in Abiline, 90 miles north), although Target and Old Navy have stuff. We ordered a lot of stuff online, and headed to Abilene or San Antonio for the rest.
- The best shopping (for anything) out of town is in San Marcos, about 35 miles north of San Antonio. There are two -- TWO! -- outlet malls right next to each other.
Entertainment:
- There are ice hockey, arena football and baseball teams in town, although high school sports are huge here, and Angelo State University has many teams as well.
- There is a local ballet, theater company, and art museum in town.
- See the calendar under Tourism at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce website.
- On Sunday nights during deer hunting season, make sure to check out KSAN's "Deer of the Week" segment.
- To schedule a "Tool Instruction and Empowerment Workshop," contact Dar at The Love Shack.
For Kids:
- Kids' Kingdom is off Koenigham (aka 87N) down by the river is a great playground, and there are ducks to feed.
- Unidad Park is located on College Hills west of the loop. It's not fenced in, but has some fun climbing equipment and a nice covered eating area.
Health:
- San Angelo is a great place to have a baby. There are two hospitals in town competing for your business, so there are a lot of freebies and great new parent classes. The doctors at Community Hospital are wonderful; I haven't dealt with Shannon. Community runs its own gym (with a free nursery), and gives a free year's membership to expectant moms. I've been told that my birthing experience at Community sounded like I went to a birthing center (this from a friend in the metro DC area).
- The Air Force takes care of its peeps. The gym on base is great, and offers some classes.
- If you're looking to lose weight, check out the San Angelo Get Healthy Challenge.
Pampering:
- Nail Time on Sherwood (behind the Blockbuster) gives the best pedicures.
- Contact the Austin School of Massage to ask about free massages.
Miscellaneous:
- When someone wants to pass you when driving, pull to the right if possible. They'll do it for you, too.
Warnings:
- There's a little war raging right now between Cox Cable and the owner of the local CBS affiliate. If getting CBS is important to you, get rabbit ears. If not, the Buffalo Wings joint on Sherwood gets it.
